What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning? How should users choose which to purchase?
Among the many CNC machining processes, milling and turning are the two most core and widely used machining technologies.
Simply put, the most fundamental difference lies in the core mechanics: CNC turning involves the workpiece rotating while the cutting tool remains stationary; whereas CNC milling involves the rotating tool moving against a stationary, fixed workpiece.
Distinguishing them by typical parts and application scenarios:
Typical parts for CNC Turning center: Shaft-type parts, disc/sleeve parts, threads, pipe fittings.
Typical parts for CNC Milling center : This process focuses on creating planes, grooves, contours, and complex curved surfaces on a workpiece. Examples include: plate-shaped parts, mold cavities, housing parts, complex three-dimensional surfaces.
Advantages of CNC Turning:
High efficiency, high precision, excellent surface finish. For specific parts, the cost per piece is typically lower than milling. However, turned geometries are limited.
Advantages of CNC Milling:
High Flexibility: Can machine almost any geometric shape, from simple planes to complex 3D surfaces.
Versatility: One machine can perform multiple operations like milling, drilling, tapping, and boring.
One-time Setup/Machining: For complex parts, multiple sides can be finished in a single setup through tool changes, ensuring accuracy.
However, it has relatively lower efficiency for comparable tasks, higher costs, more complex programming, potentially longer machining times, and more complex setup requirements.
How to choose between a CNC turning center and a CNC milling center?
The choice depends entirely on your part design and production needs, specifically the core geometric features of the part and the production workflow.
CNC turning and CNC milling are complementary "right and left hands" in manufacturing. Understanding their fundamental differences will help you make the wisest and most efficient decisions during the design and manufacturing process.
Dongs CNC Machine Tool delivers solutions tailored for you.